Pope’s secret chapel inside the Vatican

March 7, 2013

The Sistine Chapel has closed its doors to become a temporary papal polling place. While the world largely knows about the Renaissance-era chapel — its lavish artistry showcasing the works of Michelangelo and Botticelli — the Apostolic Palace holds a papal retreat, Cappella Niccolina (Niccoline Chapel), the Pope's so-called private chapel within the Vatican. The "small and secret" chapel is not even mentioned on the Vatican's website of basilicas and papal chapels. but those who have seen it say it is "every bit as beautiful as the Sistine Chapel." -- By Vera Chan, Yahoo!

Niccoline Chapel, Vatican

Paintings of Fra Angelico inside the Niccoline Chapel, Vatican

Niccoline Chapel, Vatican

Paintings of Fra Angelico inside the Niccoline Chapel, Vatican

Niccoline Chapel, Vatican

Paintings of Fra Angelico inside the Niccoline Chapel, Vatican

Niccoline Chapel, Vatican

Sermon of St Stephen

Niccoline Chapel, Vatican

Capture and stoning of St Stephen

Niccoline Chapel, Vatican

St Stephen distributes alms

Niccoline Chapel, Vatican

St Stephen's sermon and dispute before the Sanhedrin

Niccoline Chapel, Vatican

St Lawrence distributing alms.

Niccoline Chapel, Vatican

St Lawrence receives the treasures of the Church.

Niccoline Chapel, Vatican

St Stephen's ordination as Deacon and the distribution of alms

Niccoline Chapel, Vatican

St Stephen's ordination as Deacon

Niccoline Chapel, Vatican

Condemnation of St Lawrence

Niccoline Chapel, Vatican

Dispute before the Sanhedrin

Niccoline Chapel, Vatican

Paintings of Fra Angelico inside the Niccoline Chapel, Vatican

Niccoline Chapel, Vatican

The capture of St Stephen

Niccoline Chapel, Vatican

St. Lawrence receives the treasures of the Church and distributes alms.